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A groundbreaking actress, producer, and passionate advocate…, Mary will be remembered as a fearless visionary who turned the world on with her smile–Mara Buxbaum

Mary Tyler Moore’s passing was a huge blow to Hollywood and fans around the world; however, female journalist particularly took her passing extremely hard, but for far different reasons.

The television icon was more than just a ground breaking actress, brilliant business entrepreneur and philanthropist; she was a role model who also influenced a generation of women to become journalist.

Over a long career spanning decades, Mary Tyler Moore’s signature role was Mary Richards from the eponymously titled “Mary TylerMoore” show. The 70s sitcom was based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and centered around a young single career woman working as a news producer.

The series ran from 1970 to 1977; it received numerous awards for the cast, crew, and the star: Mary Tyler Moore (MTM). In fact, during its run the series won a record 29 Emmy Awards. A record that stood for 25 years.

In 2001, MTM was immortalized by TVLAND when a life-sized bronze statue of Mary Richards tossing her tam into the air was unveiled. This iconic image captured the exuberance and excitement of a professional woman who ultimately did “make it on her own” in a new city and career.

When interviewed about being immortalized by a bronze statue, MTM said, “Forget about it, this is a unique situation. I never thought I’d have anything like that.”

The statue is exclusive to minneapolis and quite popular. Fans from around the state and the nation flock to the statue to pose for pictures and mimic the legendary hat toss.

When Minneapolis put the statue in storage due to downtown road construction, public outcry prompted city leaders to place it back on display.

Visitors to Minneapolis who wish to see the statue can find it quite easily at the visitor center. A Crow’s View suggests taking the light rail to the Nicollet Mall stop. This will allow people to avoid parking hassles and place seekers right at the statue’s location. After exiting the train, the statue is only steps away from the train station on the southeast corner of S. 5th St.

The visitor center’s hours are limited, but the statue can easily be seen from the large display windows if travelers show up after hours. Later in 2017, the city plans to return the statue outdoors for 24-hour access.

“Rain in the Northwest is not the pounding, flashing performance enjoyed by the eastern part of the nation. Nor is it the festive annual soaking I’d been used to in Southern California. Rather, it’s a seven-month drizzle that darkens the sky, mildews the bath towels, and propels those already prone to depression into the dim comforts of antihistamines and a flask.” ― Melissa Hart

The State of Oregon is often overshadowed by Mt. Hood, Crater Lake, and Multnomah Falls, not to mention its climate. Outside of those four factors, most people know very little about this state, and that is truly a shame because Oregon has mild summers and stellar scenic beauty throughout its boarders.

Below is a list A Crow’s View suggests travelers should visit, many of which are somewhat obscure.

1) The Painted Hills; John Day, Ore.

2) Wreck of the Peter Iredale near Astoria, Ore.

3) The end of The Lewis & Clark Trail; Seaside, Ore.

4) Table Top Rock Trail & Summit; Rogue River, Ore.

5) The North Umpqua Trial; Idleyld Park, Ore.

The preceding list is obviously short and missing some fantastic destinations. This post’s purpose is to tantalize readers and to give them something to think about when visiting Oregon; it also serves to kick off a new series about the Pacific Northwest.

Future posts will have in-depth information about the locations listed above and features discussing other great places to explore throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In the mean time, the links below will serve as excellent portals to learn more about these destinations.

On the outskirts of Roseburg lies a beautiful attraction that escapes most people’s detect. Ironically, hundreds of people will pass it twice daily while visiting one of the city’s biggest draws: River Forks Park.

Upon first glance, Discovery Garden appears to be a small private garden, which is probably the reason most people miss it. But observant drivers will notice that’s not the case and stop in.

Those attentive drivers who decide to check it out will be treated to top-notch garden designs and spectacular floral views, and in the process find the prefect place to read a book, contemplate life, or soak up the ambiance.

Discovery Garden was established in 1999. It is maintained by community donations and volunteer master gardeners. The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardeners also provide research-based instruction in gardening techniques.

Visitors of Discovery Garden are treated to several cultural gardening styles within its confines. A Japanese garden, a rock garden, a functioning herb garden and more are a short stroll from each other. Chances are you will be impressed with a number of displays.

The garden isn’t just for adults; kids will enjoy Discovery Garden too. Its Children’s Garden features a human sundial, hopscotch, a Clematis Archway and a hiding mulberry tree with a peek-a-boo fence. These interactive child-themed displays, along with other kid-friendly sculptures, will unquestionably become favorites for young families.

Discovery Gardens’ mission is “to enhance and preserve the beauty and quality of the environment by using sustainable gardening practices, and to inspire and educate others.” It is the opinion of A Crow’s View that Discovery Garden exceeds that goal. The photos below are a small sample of the sights that awaits future visitors.

Last September I spent a few days in Isla Holbox. This little treasure of an island is located along the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, about three and a half hours from Cancun. Unlike the more developed tourist destinations, Holbox retains much of the rustic allure of Mexico.

A charming aspect of Holbox is the unpaved dirt roads and lack of automobiles. The majority of locals commute by foot, bicycle, scooter or golf cart. Larger vehicles are present, but they are usually for municipal or commercial purposes. The streets are prone to flooding during inclement weather, so golf cart rentals will not be allowed for tourists (unless you are willing to pay a steep premium).

A photo from atop Hotel Arena

The city of Holbox is quite small. Town square consists of a tiny park with a half-shell stage that has streets peppered with restaurants, hotels, and shops encircling it. A person can easily walk the city center in a few minutes, and travel the entire town in less than a 10-minute jaunt. The ocean is only a stone’s throw away from any part of the island.

Although the city is small, the island is rather sizable. If a person is in or near town everything is in walking distance. For the tourists staying at the large all-inclusive clubs, the easiest way to get around is to rent a bicycle, golf cart, or taxi (which is a modified golf cart). The large hotels outside of town have great beach access, so if you’re staying there you don’t really need to travel anywhere unless you want to sample the local eateries.

Ciabatta sandwich from Le Jardin Panaderia

Lemon Tiramisu from Kai Wa

Pizza from Edalyn’s

Fish Ceviche

Despite being a rural setting, Holbox offers world class dining. The seafood, which is always caught earlier in the day, is extremely fresh. In fact, some restaurants don’t bother with menus because they base their meals on what the fishing boats bring in.

An added bonus for Holbox tourists is the prices are much lower compared to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen. If a person doesn’t fancy seafood, then there are a variety of restaurants that offer different cuisines.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed spending our mornings at Le Jardin Panaderia. This is a nice little French themed pastry shop that offered great breakfast and lunch deals. Its ambiance is perfect for reading a book or just sitting and contemplating the scenery. The business keeps unusual hours, so I suggest looking them up early in your trip.

We also enjoyed visiting Kai Wa, El Chapulim, and La Tortilleria de Holbox. Kai Wa was second only to Le Jardin Panaderia as our most visited café. Its desserts were delicious and worth the price, in terms of flavor and serving size, you can’t do better.

El Chapulim was great; we dined there once, but wanted to return. Menus are not offered because the nightly specials are based on what the catch of the day is. The owner/cook will come to your table and recite what the evening’s options are (his vocal delivery and tone is nothing short of a seasoned storyteller). He will then personally take your order.

La Tortilleria de Holbox is a great place for breakfast. It is located next door to Hotel Arena. The healthy breakfast options along with the coffee and tea selections were greatly appreciated. It was unfortunate they closed for the season a few days before we left; otherwise, we would have dined there multiple times.

If you are into nature and wildlife, Holbox is a place for you. The island has large areas that are uninhabited. The plant and wildlife in these regions remain untouched by humans. In fact, a short bicycle ride to the eastern side of Holbox will allow a person to see wild Pink Flamingos feeding in an unspoiled environment.

An evening view from Hotel Arena rooftop lounge

The island does lack the large beaches and the nightlife the aforementioned destinations have, but you can find some nice areas to swim, sunbathe, and, eat and drink at. Another disadvantage is the mosquitoes. If you are on a nature walk you’ll find spots that are thick with the thirsty critters, and in the evening they come out in force all over the island. Be prepared with bug repellent and you’ll be fine (I suggest bringing your own to save money).

North end of the island.

Isla Holbox is a hidden treasure. We really enjoyed our short stay on the island. Crime is nonexistent. For example, we rented two bikes and left them on the street for several hours with no locks or chains. We experienced no problems at all.

In another case, my wife lost a pair of glasses while walking. We returned to the restaurant we dined at a few hours earlier to see if we left them there. A friendly couple seated at our old table told us that two hours ago they saw someone turn in a pair of lost glasses at a cantina they were visiting. We checked with the barista at that location, and my wife’s glasses were there. Needless to say, we were amazed.

If you prefer a laid back “islander” setting, without the hustle and bustle of major destinations, then look no further. Holbox has what you want. It is still unknown by a vast majority of travelers, but it is growing in popularity. A Crow’s View highly recommend checking out Holbox before it fully develops into another full-blown tourist trap.